An auto garage at the corner of Stracks Church Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway has been cleared for new operation, but the property’s developers have splashed cold water on the idea of saving the neighboring motel-turned-apartments.

The Warren County Commission on Monday approved new commercial zoning for the property at 16200 Veterans Memorial Parkway. That could allow for a wide range of new business to be established there.

“At the public hearing, there was no opposition. There was a little bit of concern about how the property looked, but that was explained,” commented Commissioner Hubie Kluesner. The commission voted 3-0 to approve the rezoning.

The property’s new owners originally predicted the rundown motel building could be gutted and renovated into a block of affordable senior housing. But during a November hearing, business representative Shane Wade said plans have been reevaluated, and now the motel is likely to be demolished.

“We’re going to tear down the existing apartments that are in very rough shape,” Wade said.

He said developers are planning to replace the motel with new commercial buildings that could house different types of businesses. He indicated the developers are more interested in automotive or other service-oriented businesses, rather than retail.

Following the favorable ruling, property co-owner Jeff Harris said the development will be meeting a demand for local commercial growth.

“We have a lot of interest in small, commercial buildings,” Harris commented.

The property owners have already recruited a new tenant to occupy the existing auto garage on the property, which will remain as it is.

Ryan Hoffman, owner of Exodus Diesel, said he has fixed up the garage and gone through the process of moving his business to the location.

“Highway frontage is a big reason I wanted to move to that location,” Hoffman said. He added that parking and fencing to the rear of the building  will prevent vehicles from becoming an eyesore.